One of the most enduring customs in Judaism, the Mezuzah is an important
object that has developed its own form of art, creating a market where
Mezuzahs can come in every shape, color, and style. With numerous options
to choose from, discover a Mezuzah from Israel to turn this ancient
commandment into an exciting and enjoyable pursuit!

The holiest day of the week deserves its own special regalia to help you observe this spiritual time the right way each week! Explore your ancient heritage and discover stunning Kiddush Cups, Shabbat Candlesticks, Challah Boards and more from Israel to make every Shabbat a memorable experience!

Uncover stunning Jewish Rings for every occasion made by the greatest
Israeli artists! With a vast selection of beautifully crafted rings for men and
women featuring Jewish verses, blessings, gemstones and more available for
you to explore, you can be sure there’s a dazzling trinket from Israel waiting
to become yours forever!

Breathe new life into your home and incorporate something meaningful into
your décor with Jewish Blessing art from Israel's finest artists! The perfect
gift for any occasion, explore fabulous Israeli treasures featuring traditional
Jewish blessings for the home, business, family and more to discover
something you’ll be thrilled to own!

Accessorize your wardrobe with the spice and spirit of Israel by adding a
glamorous Israeli Scarf to the mix for the perfect finishing touch! With a
variety of dazzling colors and unique Israel-inspired motifs to explore, these
striking scarves will make valuable and wonderful additions to any fashion-
forward person’s closet!

Explore the incredible masterpieces of Yair Emanuel, one of Israel's finest
artists! With a remarkable affinity for integrating a dash of Israeli flavor into
every creation, discover the breathtaking collection of art and Judaica made
by this fabulous designer and redecorate your space with something amazing
from Israel!

Haven’t tried Israeli coffee yet? Well, it’s better Latte than never! Start
living la vida Mocha and Espresso yourself one cup o’ Joe at a time with
Brew-tifully rich and flavorful kosher coffee from Israel to start your
mornings off with a buzz!

Whether you display them on a shelf or in a cabinet, nothing compares to the
irresistible charm of Jewish Figurines made by Israeli artists! A fabulous gift
for any occasion, explore a marvelous selection of delightful figurines
ranging from comical and cute to traditional and majestic to find the perfect
keepsake from Israel worth cherishing!

Hamsa

Hamsa

The Hamsa symbol is an ancient symbol with unknown origins. In Judaism, the symbol is attributed to Miriam, Moses’ sister and is considered to be a good luck charm. The Hamsa, sometimes referred to as the Hand of Fatima or Evil Eye, is an open hand with a large eye taking up most of the palm and the five fingers extended. Hamsas can be found in jewelry, wall hangings, amulets and other Middle Eastern Judaica objects.

Hamsas are very often brightly decorated with floral pattern, Armenian deco patterns and Jerusalem as well as geometric patterns. Hamsas that are hung on the wall often have the prayer for a peaceful house painted in its center or in the palm. Other popular texts include positive words and phrases such as “Abundance” and “Success”. These Hamsas can be made of any material, although the most common materials are copper, silver, ceramic, pewter and olive wood. These items are great gift ideas for a wedding or housewarming since they are meant to bring blessing and happiness to the new residents.

Looking for a gift? World of Judaica has a wide selection of Hamsa pendants made from sterling silver, gold and painted metal. These Hamsas also have diamonds and other gemstones set in them and can also be personalized with engravings of names. Looking for a gift for a holiday such as Hanukkah? Consider a Hamsa keychain painted with a Middle Eastern motif.

If you are looking for a Hamsa that is unique, consider a glass Hamsa that is stained and painted with floral patterns or Jerusalem. Or as an alternative, consider a Hamsa that is decorated with the High Priest’s breastplate in addition to other traditional Judaica themes.

World of Judaica invites you browse our collection of Hamsas themed blessings, jewelry and Judaica items. If you have any questions or concerns,contact us via email, live chat or phone and a customer service agent will be happy to assist you.

Hamsa Guide

The Hamsa symbol is one recognized by a wide variety of peoples across the world. Over time it has come to be recognized and used as a Jewish symbol explaining its wide use in Judaica items such as amulets or simple designs on a bigger piece. The image itself is one of an open hand and its five fingers. This shape is often formed abstractly, and designed in many different ways, but throughout history the Hamsa has only had one meaning: protection and safety.

The Hamsa Throughout History

The birthplace of the Hamsa is still considered somewhat of a mystery, though several fact-based theories do exist. While some are convinced that this symbol derives from the Carthaginians or Ancient Egyptians, others have noted that similar images were found in Mesopotamia connected to teachings of the Buddha.

The word “Hamsa” literally means five in Arabic and was originally used by the Arabs referring to the symbol as the five fingered hand of Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. As the symbol worked its way into Jewish communities in Africa and the Middle East it became known as the hand of Miriam and the Christians later named it the hand of Mary.

One thing that all cultures seemed to have agreed upon is the protection the Hamsa provided for the Evil Eye: a look given that was believed to cause luck to its receiver. The Hamsa was also considered a blessing that would help bring about positive events in life.

Modern Day Hamsa

Today, the Hamsa is found predominantly in the state of Israel where the symbol has caught on as style more than a superstition. In fact, the Hamsa has only recently experience a revival in Judaism and Israel. When the nation was first formed the symbol almost disappeared among Jews because the Ashkenazi population disapproved of its Eastern origins.

Now the Hamsa is wide spread in Israel and for many represents Israeli culture and the statehood of the Jewish nation.

Common Designs

The Hamsa has a meaning in and of itself, but it is often designed with additional artwork in Judaica products for additional or even personal intent.

One of the most well-known decorations for the Hamsa is a depiction (sometimes very abstract) of an eye representing the ancient superstition of the Evil Eye. Many Judaica items choose to add additional meaning to the symbol with other decorations of Judaism. Pomegranates or the Hebrew word “Chai” or “Living” are two favorites.

Besides this they can also be personalized with a name or family photo. Together with the different materials used to create artistic Hamsa, it’s the perfect item for any Jewish home.

For More Information

For more information about Hamsa or other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.

Description

Hamsa

The Hamsa symbol is an ancient symbol with unknown origins. In Judaism, the symbol is attributed to Miriam, Moses’ sister and is considered to be a good luck charm. The Hamsa, sometimes referred to as the Hand of Fatima or Evil Eye, is an open hand with a large eye taking up most of the palm and the five fingers extended. Hamsas can be found in jewelry, wall hangings, amulets and other Middle Eastern Judaica objects.

Hamsas are very often brightly decorated with floral pattern, Armenian deco patterns and Jerusalem as well as geometric patterns. Hamsas that are hung on the wall often have the prayer for a peaceful house painted in its center or in the palm. Other popular texts include positive words and phrases such as “Abundance” and “Success”. These Hamsas can be made of any material, although the most common materials are copper, silver, ceramic, pewter and olive wood. These items are great gift ideas for a wedding or housewarming since they are meant to bring blessing and happiness to the new residents.

Looking for a gift? World of Judaica has a wide selection of Hamsa pendants made from sterling silver, gold and painted metal. These Hamsas also have diamonds and other gemstones set in them and can also be personalized with engravings of names. Looking for a gift for a holiday such as Hanukkah? Consider a Hamsa keychain painted with a Middle Eastern motif.

If you are looking for a Hamsa that is unique, consider a glass Hamsa that is stained and painted with floral patterns or Jerusalem. Or as an alternative, consider a Hamsa that is decorated with the High Priest’s breastplate in addition to other traditional Judaica themes.

World of Judaica invites you browse our collection of Hamsas themed blessings, jewelry and Judaica items. If you have any questions or concerns,contact us via email, live chat or phone and a customer service agent will be happy to assist you.

Hamsa Guide

The Hamsa symbol is one recognized by a wide variety of peoples across the world. Over time it has come to be recognized and used as a Jewish symbol explaining its wide use in Judaica items such as amulets or simple designs on a bigger piece. The image itself is one of an open hand and its five fingers. This shape is often formed abstractly, and designed in many different ways, but throughout history the Hamsa has only had one meaning: protection and safety.

The Hamsa Throughout History

The birthplace of the Hamsa is still considered somewhat of a mystery, though several fact-based theories do exist. While some are convinced that this symbol derives from the Carthaginians or Ancient Egyptians, others have noted that similar images were found in Mesopotamia connected to teachings of the Buddha.

The word “Hamsa” literally means five in Arabic and was originally used by the Arabs referring to the symbol as the five fingered hand of Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. As the symbol worked its way into Jewish communities in Africa and the Middle East it became known as the hand of Miriam and the Christians later named it the hand of Mary.

One thing that all cultures seemed to have agreed upon is the protection the Hamsa provided for the Evil Eye: a look given that was believed to cause luck to its receiver. The Hamsa was also considered a blessing that would help bring about positive events in life.

Modern Day Hamsa

Today, the Hamsa is found predominantly in the state of Israel where the symbol has caught on as style more than a superstition. In fact, the Hamsa has only recently experience a revival in Judaism and Israel. When the nation was first formed the symbol almost disappeared among Jews because the Ashkenazi population disapproved of its Eastern origins.

Now the Hamsa is wide spread in Israel and for many represents Israeli culture and the statehood of the Jewish nation.

Common Designs

The Hamsa has a meaning in and of itself, but it is often designed with additional artwork in Judaica products for additional or even personal intent.

One of the most well-known decorations for the Hamsa is a depiction (sometimes very abstract) of an eye representing the ancient superstition of the Evil Eye. Many Judaica items choose to add additional meaning to the symbol with other decorations of Judaism. Pomegranates or the Hebrew word “Chai” or “Living” are two favorites.

Besides this they can also be personalized with a name or family photo. Together with the different materials used to create artistic Hamsa, it’s the perfect item for any Jewish home.

For More Information

For more information about Hamsa or other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.